Degenerative temporomandibular joint disorder treated with prolotherapy: Case series

Ku, Jeong-Kui; Choi, Jin-Won; Kim, Young-Kyun

doi:2025.63.4.137

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 63(4); 2025 > Article

Case Report

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2025;63(4):137-152.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2025.63.4.003 Published online April 30, 2025.

퇴행성 측두하악관절 장애에서 증식치료의 치료 효과: 증례보고

Degenerative temporomandibular joint disorder treated with prolotherapy: Case series

Jeong-Kui Ku¹

, Jin-Won Choi¹

, Young-Kyun Kim^1,2

¹Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Section of Dentistry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
²K Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dental Clinic, Seongnam, Korea

Correspondence: Young-Kyun Kim, Tel: +82-31-787-2780,
Email: kyk0505@daum.net

Received: 3 March 2025 • Revised: 31 March 2025 • Accepted: 1 April 2025

Abstract

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a progressive disorder marked by cartilage degradation and bone deterioration, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction. While conventional therapies such as occlusal splints, medication, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections aim to alleviate symptoms, they lack regenerative capability. This report showed the potential of prolotherapy, a regenerative injection treatment that stimulates tissue repair, in TMJ DJD patients. Four individuals received 2 or 3 prolotherapy sessions using polydeoxyribonucleotide and 20% dextrose at 3-week intervals, alongside conservative care. Outcomes were evaluated via pain intensity (VAS), maximum mouth opening (MMO), joint noise, and radiographic imaging. All patients reported notable pain relief, sustained MMO over 35 mm, and correction of mandibular deviation. Radiographs revealed cortical bone formation and improved joint surface contour. These findings suggested prolotherapy might promote structural regeneration in TMJ DJD. Further studies are warranted to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.

Key Words: Osteoarthritis; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Prolotherapy; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography